MLB Umpires Sam Holbrook, Bruce Dreckman, Gerry Davis, and Brian Gorman welcome Matthew, Joshua, Josh, and Markell to Dolphin Stadium for a game between the Padres and Marlins. Matthew and Josh are mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organizations in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, umpires provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Guest Comments:

"On Saturday, May 4, my little brother Markell and I, along with mentor Matthew Haggman and his little brother Joshua, were given the experience of a lifetime courtesy of BLUE for Kids and host umpire Sam Holbrook. We received star treatment at the Florida Marlins - San Diego Padres game.

Our day started with a brief tour of the inner stadium that led to the umpires' dressing room where we met with Sam Holbrook and the rest of the umpiring crew. It was amazing to see this side of a baseball game.

Sam and the umpires talked to Markell and Joshua and gave them a bag of goodies. Both boys were filled with excitement and smiles and Matt and I were pinching ourselves to make sure this experience was real.

Sam Holbrook then escorted us to the field and we got to spend about 10 minutes soaking up the atmosphere of being on a major league diamond. Markell and Joshua stared and stared at the breathtaking view that none of us had ever experienced. Then we were escorted to our seats which were right behind home plate -- the best seats in the house. Wow.

It was a great game -- especially because the Marlins won 10-2. Markell and Joshua enjoyed drinks, hotdogs, and snacks, and watched their first baseball game from up close. It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.

Thank you BLUE for Kids for your support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and for giving Markell and Joshua an experience few have had and one that definitely broadened their horizons forever." - Josh Young

"Thank you very much for a great day at the ballpark. Joshua and I had a fantastic time. Thank you! In fact, afterwards Joshua wanted to go play baseball, which we did at a park not far from his house. We are enormously grateful to you, the Florida Marlins, and all of the umpires. " - Matthew Haggman

Additional Photos:



Special thanks from the umpires to:

• Angela Smith and the entire Marlins community relations staff. The Marlins promote educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida's youth. Marlins Community Overview


• Mentors Matthew Haggman and Josh Young for serving the all important role of youth mentor.
  
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami for identifying two deserving matches for this unique baseball experience.

Labels: bbbs, crew, davis, dreckman, fla, gorman, holbrook, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps

MLB Umpires Wally Bell and Laz Diaz welcome Astrudge, Flora, Kelvis, and Russell to Yankee Stadium for a game between the Mariners and Yankees. Astrudge is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for You Gotta Believe! She works to move children in the New York area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. About the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Kelvis and I were taken down beneath Yankee Stadium by Dan Weiss of the Yankees community relations group to meet umpires Wally Bell and Laz Diaz. Together, we walked out onto the baseball field. Mr. Bell and Mr. Diaz were very friendly and both have a great sense of humor; they had us laughing frequently while they described their jobs.

For Kelvis, a Yankee fan in his heart and soul, this was a very special day. I have never seen a more enthusiastic fan who predicted, rather accurately, that the Yankee would win.

Please thank the umpires and Mr. Weiss of the Yankees for giving another one of our WWK kids a fun filled time." - Astrudge McLean

Additional Photos:



Special thanks from the umpires to:

• Dan Weiss, Yankees Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. The New York Yankees are committed to promoting and sustaining cordial and cooperative relationships with their neighbors and working with them to enhance the quality of life throughout the surrounding communities. Yankees Community Overview


• Chaperone Astrudge McLean for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: bell, crew, diaz, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, nyy, wwk

MLB Umpire Mike Di Muro welcomes Liz, Amber, Kendall, and Ricky to Busch Stadium for a game between the Cubs and Cardinals. Liz is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis. She works to move children in the St. Louis area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"In one of the photos Fredbird paid us a visit as we were sitting in the waiting room for Jessica to take us back to meet with umpire Mike Di Muro. The kids absolutely loved it and thought his antics were one of the most hilarious things they’ve seen in a long time. Fredbird challenged Ricky to a dance off and when Ricky was a little hesitant to take on the challenge, Fredbird picked him up and dumped him in my lap on the sofa and then snapped a picture of us.

Kendall and Ricky said the best thing about the experience was getting to go out on the field before the game. They were in awe of the atmosphere! Meeting Mike and receiving a signed baseball from him was awesome. He was warm and welcoming and told the boys how he would look for them in the crowd during the game. Mike made us feel like he was lucky to meet us instead of us being lucky to meet him.

We all enjoyed meeting Jessica Illert of the Cardinals too! Jessica was great and had a lot of spunk and enthusiasm about showing us the pre-game ropes. Please pass along our thanks to Jessica and the Cardinals community relations group for helping create an incredible experience for the boys. " - Liz Johnson

Additional Photos:



Special thanks from the umpires to:

• Jessica Illert, St. Louis Cardinals Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. Learn more about what the Cardinals do for nearby communities. Cardinals Community Overview


• Chaperones Liz Johnson and Amber Warren for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: crew, dimuro, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, stl, wwk

MLB Umpire Fieldin Culbreth welcomes Courtney, Kamali, Erica, and Andre to Nationals Park for a game between the Pirates and the Nationals. The youth mentoring group was invited to attend through the BLUE for Kids relationship with Most Valuable Kids of Washington.

Live sports and entertainment provide a positive source of inspiration for children in a world where there are many negative alternatives. Most Valuable Kids, Inc. (MVK) brings this inspiration, at no cost, to underserved children in the Washington, DC/Baltimore Metropolitan Areas. Learn More about Most Valuable Kids

Guest Comments:

"As promised, here are a few of the pictures that were taken at the ballpark. At the meet-and-greet, Mr. Fieldin Culbreth spoke about the duties of the umpires and how they rotate each position game to game. He also gave each of us a official game ball and told us that it was unique in that MLB will not make anymore quite like it. Thanks to Jenn and the wonderful people over at Most Valuable Kids and to Mr. Culbreth with BLUE for Kids for offering an invaluble experience." - Courtney Stewart of Mentoring Works2

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Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Barbra Silva, Director of Community Relations for the Washington Nationals. The Washington Nationals are committed to providing programs that enhance education, increase participation in youth baseball and softball, while improving the quality of life in our local communities of the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Nationals Community Overview


• Jenn Skolochenko, Executive Director of MVK/Washington, for helping to coordinate an enjoyable day at the ballpark for mentors and kids.

Labels: crew, culbreth, mlb, mlbpaa, mvk, naso, neweracaps, was

MLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes 'Tre, Cantrell, Richie, and LaDareus to Rangers Ballpark for a game between the Twins and the Rangers. 'Tre and Richie and mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. BLUE for Kids recognizes the direct and lasting impact that adult mentors have in the lives of young people. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, MLB Umpires like Bob Davidson provide memorable sports experiences to strengthen the mentor/youth relationship. Learn More about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Jenny Martin, Ashleigh Greathouse, and Taunee Taylor of the Texas Rangers Community Relations team. The Texas Rangers make a difference to thousands in the Arlington and surrounding communities. Rangers Community Overview
• Shannon Mann of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas for helping to coordinate an enjoyable day at the ballpark for your mentor/youth matches.
• Dallas Neely of Texas who placed a winning bid for an auction item benefitting BLUE for Kids. Thank you Dallas!

Labels: bbbs, crew, davidson, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, tex

MLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes Kim, Alfredo, Javier, and Arnulfo to Angel Stadium for a game between the Mariners and the Angels. Kim is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for Kinship Center in Los Angeles. She works to move children in the Los Angeles area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"We had a great time! The brothers had never been to a game before so it was very exciting to them. Lindsay McHolm of the Angels introduced us to Bob Davidson who made the day possible. All of the umpires (Bob, Mike Reilly, Alfonzo Marquez, and Andy Fletcher) signed their baseballs and the boys kept pointing the men out on the field while we watched the game. They said they liked baseball before but now LOVED it!!! This was an amazing day for the boys and I loved seeing it through their eyes! Thank you so much for the great day even though the Angels lost :( It meant so much to the kids." - Kim Felder

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Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Lindsay McHolm, Community Relations Coordinator, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Angels have been active in the community throughout the team's 45-year history. Angels Community Overview


• Kim Felder of Kinship Center for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Los Angeles area.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: crew, davidson, laa, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, wwk

MLB Umpires Marvin Hudson, Randy Marsh, and Brian Knight welcome LaSonya, Vashti, Charleston, and Lamont to Great American Ballpark for a game between the Brewers and Reds. Michael Michelle Willis is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for the Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services and helped to arrange for the group to attend the game. Ms. Willis works to move children in the Cincinnati area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Matt Crawford and Lorrie Platt, Reds Community Relations. The Cincinnati Reds strive to be winners both on and off the field. Reds Community Overview


• LaSonya and Vashti of Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark for the boys.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: cin, crew, hudson, knight, marsh, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, wwk

MLB Umpire Mark Wegner welcomes Staci, Jessica, Marcus, and Cameron to Minute Maid Park for a game between the Rockies and Astros. Staci and Jessica are Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters of Spaulding for Children in Houston. They strive to move children in the Houston area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Dear Mr. Mark Wegner: It was a pleasure meeting with you down on the field. The boys were excited from the moment they heard they were going to have the opportunity to go to a live game. It was great to meet all the wonderful people that made this day possible. Shawn Bertani of the Astros took us on a tour while we were heading down to the field. Marcus had the opportunity to get a baseball that the Rockies had just hit during practice. Mark you asked us to cheer for you in case there was a call that you had to make that the fans did not agree. Trust me when I tell you that behind all the fans uproar we were cheering for you. We were able to capture a picture when the Astro’s coach became heated with the umpire.

Thank you again for giving the children the opportunity to attend this event. This night was the first Astros game that Marcus and Cameron had attended.” - Jessica Trapani

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Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Shawn Bertani, Astros Director of Community Affairs for meeting our guests at the ballpark. The Houston Astros consider being a part of the community just as important as throwing strikes and hitting home runs. Astros Community Overview


• Staci Prince and Jessica Trapani of Spaulding for Children for enjoying the game with the kids and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Houston area.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: crew, hou, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, wegner, wwk

MLB Umpire Sam Holbrook welcomes Connie, Liz, Charles, and Johnetta to Busch Stadium for a game between the Giants and Cardinals. Connie and Liz are Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters for Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis. They both work to move children in the St. Louis area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Mr. Holbrook, the kids loved their experience and being able to see the umpires behind the scenes...all of the umpires and Mark Taylor (Cardinals Community Relations) were very engaging and friendly. Most important, the kids were made to feel very comfortable and special and will be able to keep these memories for a lifetime. Johnetta asked “when can we come back?” and Charles stated that he had a great time and loved having great seats to watch the game. Thank you so much!" - Liz Johnson

Additional Photos:



Special Thanks From The Umpires To:

• Mark Taylor, St. Louis Cardinals Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. Learn more about what the Cardinals do for nearby communities. Cardinals Community Overview


• Connie Doty and Liz Johnson of Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the St. Louis area.


• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

Labels: crew, holbrook, mlb, mlbpaa, naso, neweracaps, stl, wwk